My Lord What a Mornin'
Harry Belafonte · 1960
37 min · 11 tracks · folk music
Soulful spirituals blend with folk influences, creating a rich tapestry of hope and resilience that resonates deeply.
Top tracks — play these first
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Wake Up Jacob Start here — establishes the sonic palette early
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My Lord What a Mornin’ — This title track embodies the album's essence with its uplifting melody and themes of divine reassurance, resonating with listeners seeking comfort.
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Oh Freedom — A powerful anthem of liberation, this song captures the spirit of resilience and hope, echoing the struggles faced during the civil rights era.
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Were You There When They Crucified My Lord — This track stands out for its haunting arrangement and emotional depth, reflecting on sacrifice and faith in a profound way.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album effectively blends folk and spiritual influences, showcasing strong vocal performances and arrangements.
What we noticed
- Most tracks are arranged for solo vocals accompanied by minimal instrumentation, allowing Belafonte's voice to remain the focal point.
- Several songs incorporate call-and-response elements, engaging listeners and creating a communal feel throughout the record.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- steady flow for morning routines
- uplifting themes of freedom
- rich vocal warmth and resonance
- reflective moments of spiritual connection
Maybe skip if you
- seeking fast-paced excitement
- prefer standalone hit tracks
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Popularized traditional spirituals, enhancing Belafonte's recognition and cultural impact.
- Career context
- Released in 1960, My Lord What a Mornin' came as Harry Belafonte was transitioning from calypso stardom into a more diverse repertoire. This album followed the massive success of his previous work, solidifying his role as a prominent figure in American music while showcasing his commitment to African American spirituals and folk traditions.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Miriam Makeba· Pete Seeger· Odetta
Tracklist
- 1 Wake Up Jacob Start here 1:54
- 2 My Lord What a Mornin’ 4:25
- 3 Ezekiel 3:40
- 4 Buked and Scorned 4:42
- 5 Stars Shinin’ (By ’n by) 1:36
- 6 Oh Freedom 3:20
- 7 Were You There When They Crucified My Lord 4:37
- 8 Oh Let Me Fly 2:09
- 9 Swing Low 3:59
- 10 March Down to Jordan 3:26
- 11 Steal Away 3:45
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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